Kennedy said Hodge will be charged with ramping up production, stimulating demand and closing sales.

“I consider myself one of the most fortunate people in the beer business,” said Hodge in a statement. “I have had the honor and pleasure of working with dozens of the world’s best known and highest quality breweries. I love everything about this culture we’ve created. The passion, joy and creativity in this business make it hard to have a bad day.”

Worthy Brewing’s production facility includes a pilot brewery, a restaurant, a beer garden and a hop garden. The company plans to offer its wares in cans, along with kegs and bottles.

Its flagship beers include a kolsch wit, an India pale ale, an imperial IPA, a stout and a hybride pale ale and bitter.

The company plans to hire 35 employees. It will host a job fair in Bend to select its next wave of team members.